Kia Launches EV2!! – CleanTechnica

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I have a hard time understanding the appeal of giant vehicles — all the land yachts on the road around me — but my, oh, my do I love a small electric car! I’d have a Mini Cooper EV and BMW i3 in my driveway if I had the money (and I’d have a bigger driveway). Now I have to add one more model — the Kia EV2!

Of course, we will never get the Kia EV2 in the USA, but for all the other markets in Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America that get it, this is one tasty newcomer.

Small as it may be, it’s packed with a lot of capability and features. The EV2 includes bidirectional V2L capability, Plug & Charge capability, up to 448 km (278 miles) of driving range on a full charge, and an EV Route Planner.

The EV2 is Kia’s 6th dedicated electric model, following the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9.

“Revealed under the theme ‘The Power of Firsts‘, the Kia EV2 introduces Kia’s vision for a new entry point to electric mobility — compact in size, yet delivering a space-rich, emotionally engaging experience designed around everyday urban life,” Kia writes. That may sound like flowery PR language, but I get it. It actually reminds me a bit of the BMW i3 that we owned — while it was small, it felt open and spacious inside, with a premium and sustainability focused touch. The EV2 sort of looks like the modern version of that.

“With the Kia EV2, we are expanding the reach of Kia’s electric mobility to customers who want a compact car that still feels spacious, capable and emotionally rewarding. EV2 reflects our commitment to practical innovation — bringing advanced EV technology, thoughtful design and everyday usability into a model created for the way people live and move in cities around the world,” Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia, said.

Here’s more from Kia that really jibes perfectly with our family’s experience with the i3 and my expectations for the EV2:

“The EV2 plays a strategic role within Kia’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) portfolio. As the most compact electric SUV in the lineup, it is designed as a gateway model for first-time EV drivers  and new Kia buyers, while remaining versatile enough to serve as a primary household vehicle — easy to live with, yet emotionally rewarding.

“Kia’s new compact SUV delivers an experience beyond its class thanks to:

• • A calm, welcoming cabin atmosphere
  • Class-above interior space and flexibility
  • Easy, confidence-inspiring urban driving dynamics.”

The vehicle offers what I think most people really want from their cars these days — a little bit of height, especially where the seats are, to make it easy to get in and out of the car; good visibility; comfortable seats and a nice interior; and modern but easy to use tech. Now, of course, some people want giant McMansion SUVs, while others want cozy, compact vehicles.

“Developed under Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, the EV2 combines a compact footprint with confident proportions and a clear SUV identity. Its upright stance, strong shoulder line and pronounced wheel arches give it a solid road presence, while vertical lighting elements and Kia’s latest Star Map signature create a distinctive modern face,” Kia adds.

I love it.